Harley Rouda is one of two Democratic challengers to GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher that the NewDemPAC is adding to its candidate watch list. (Thomas McKinless/CQ Roll Call File Photo).

The political arm of the moderate New Democrat Coalition is adding 12 House challengers to its list of candidates to watch in 2018.

NewDemPAC’s recognition comes with a $1,000 contribution this quarter and guidance about messaging and strategy. The watch list is a way for the group to get involved in races earlier than it previously has. Last cycle, the PAC contributed about $1 million to federal candidates and it expects to give out at least that much this cycle.

Rouda, a successful businessman who could likely self-fund part of his campaign, raised over $100,000 in independent donations in the 12 days he's been in the race, according to fundraising numbers obtained first by Roll Call. He’s working with fundraising consultant Stephanie Daily Smith, a former fundraiser for Hillary for America.

California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher has been criticized by his own party for being too cozy with Russia. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

In a California district Democrats are targeting this cycle, Laguna Beach businessman Harley Rouda is now the second candidate to announce a challenge to 15-term Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher.

“We need new leadership that is willing to put country over party, and put service above self,” Rouda, 55, said in a statement Thursday. The first-time candidate founded the national real estate company Real Living and is working with a fundraising veteran of Hillary for America.

Activists were trying to get Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., to hold a town hall meeting in his district. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

A tussle at California Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s Huntington Beach office led to his district director being hospitalized and a the daughter of a protester being hit on the head.

Activists showed up at the Republican congressman’s office to deliver Valentine's Day cards that requested Rohrabacher hold a town hall meeting, the Orange County Register reported. When they found the doors locked, they shoved the cards under the door. When the 2-year-old daughter of one protester was adding a card, the door opened and hit her on the head.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher says he is under consideration to be secretary of State by President-elect Donald Trump and he wants your support.

The California Republican informed his supporters through an email, suggesting that if they want to see him in the job, they should vote in an online poll conducted by Breitbart News, whose executive Stephen Bannon was recently named chief White House strategist in the Trump White House.